Simone Veil, “the mother of Europe” and first elected President of the European Parliament, was essential in creating European unity and advancing human rights. She advocated for women’s rights, was a key figure in legalizing abortion in France, and paved the way for women in leadership. As a Holocaust survivor, she knew how important European unification is. Veil's legacy continues to inspire, embodying the EU's motto of "unity in diversity" through her commitment to justice and human rights.

Simone Veil, the mother of Europe

International Women’s Day traces its origins back to early labour movements during the 1900s. It was and still is a day to commemorate the struggle and celebrate progress towards gender equality. The European Parliament is one of the most vocal advocates for gender equality in the EU. It has passed major resolutions and laws to protect women’s rights, promote equal opportunities and combat discrimination.

The International Women’s Day

Міжнародний жіночий день відзначається щорічно 8 березня, щоб вшанувати досягнення жінок і привернути увагу до прав жінок. Це нагода підвищити рівень обізнаності про такі питання, як гендерна рівність, репродуктивні права, боротьба з насильством та жорстоким поводженням з жінками. Рівність між жінками і чоловіками завжди була однією з основних цінностей і цілей Європейського Союзу, але поставлена мета все ще не досягнута повністю.

Як ЄС бореться за права жінок

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise women’s achievements and shine a spotlight on women’s rights. It is an occasion to raise awareness of issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and abuse towards women. Equality between women and men has always been one of the European Union’s core values and objectives, but this goal has still not been fully achieved.

EU’s fight for women’s rights

Four women fighting for freedom, peace and justice in their home countries – from Belarus, leader of the country's democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and Palina Sharenda Panasiuk; and Lenie Umerova and Tata Kepler from Ukraine – have all been invited to address plenary., Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces, 

will speak to MEPs at a solemn session on Tuesday at noon. 

In the early afternoon, MEPs and Council and Commission representatives will debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women’s Rights” (expected to be adopted by the Commission on Friday 7 March). The discussion is expected to focus on the EU’s role in safeguarding and advancing women’s rights and the principles and measures outlined in the Roadmap. Key issues will include the implementation of EU legislation, such as the first ever EU rules to combat violence against women, the rules on improving gender balance on corporate boards, and binding pay transparency measures. MEPs are also likely to discuss the need for women’s equal participation in the economy and society, including in politics, and the impact of shifting political dynamics on women’s rights and gender equality.

International Women's Day Celebration

Women in defence, security and peace building. A special meeting of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality with members of national parliaments and invited panellists – including women in leadership roles in the military, academics, and activists – is scheduled in the run-up to the International Women's Day (8 March). The meeting will include introductory remarks by the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, and will focus on 'Strengthening the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda – Upholding Women's Rights in Defence, Security, and Peacebuilding. (Thursday) A media seminar is organised on Wednesday afternoon, with EP President Roberta Metsola, MEPs, and guests from Ukraine, Israel, Palestine and international organisations.

Inter-parliamentary committee meeting on "Strengthening the Women on the occasion of the International Women's Day 2025

MEPs discuss the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.  

In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation. With support from the European Parliament, on 1 October 2023 the EU joined the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs are also expected to request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence.

The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses. With a commitment to prioritizing equality, MEPs will urge the Commission to ensure effective transposition of these rules across member states, highlighting the necessity for accessible healthcare, sheltered accommodations for victims, and enhanced public awareness campaigns regarding consent and non-consensual acts.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

Voting session

Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo from the Spanish women’s national football team address MEPs.

To mark International Women’s Day, captain of the Spanish women’s football team Ivana Andrés and Alba Redondo, captain for club Levante, addresses MEPs,  followed by a round of political group speakers. Spain won the World Cup in 2023 for the first time, but the trophy presentation was marred by harassment. 

On the same day at around 10.30, , MEPs discuss whether Parliament should give its consent to Council for member states to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Convention on Violence and Harassment. The convention is the first international treaty to recognise the right to work free from violence and harassment.

Plenary Debate -  Parliament marks International Women’s Day (8 March)

EP Plenary session - Roadmap for Women`s Rights

EP Plenary session - defence - Roadmap for Women`s Rights

EPP members of  FEMM committee and guests of  the International Women's Day family photo

EP Plenary session International Women's Day Celebration

Members of the EP Conference of Presidents meet with  Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of Belarusian democratic opposition forces

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with the guests of  the International Women's Day

EP Plenary session - Urgent need to tackle the gender pay gap

EP Plenary session - Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - International day for the elimination of violence against women

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, provides support to Belarusian political prisoners with extract of the chamber, meeting with EP groups leaders, ambiance shots with EP members signing postcards to support Belarusian political prisoners, statements of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, leader of democratic forces of Belarus and Sakharov Prize laureate 2020

Support to Belarusian political prisoners, in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President: extracts

MEPs and Council and Commission representatives debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women’s Rights”. The discussion focuses on the EU’s role in safeguarding and advancing women’s rights and the principles and measures outlined in the Roadmap. Closing statements by Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

Roadmap for Women`s Rights: closing statements by Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, and Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs

MEPs and Council and Commission representatives debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women’s Rights”. The discussion focuses on the EU’s role in safeguarding and advancing women’s rights and the principles and measures outlined in the Roadmap. MEPs debate (part 2)

Roadmap for Women`s Rights: MEPs debate (part 2)

MEPs and Council and Commission representatives debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women’s Rights”. The discussion focuses on the EU’s role in safeguarding and advancing women’s rights and the principles and measures outlined in the Roadmap. MEPs debate (part 1)

Roadmap for Women`s Rights: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs and Council and Commission representatives debate the Commission’s “Roadmap for Women’s Rights”. The discussion focuses on the EU’s role in safeguarding and advancing women’s rights and the principles and measures outlined in the Roadmap. Opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Roadmap for Women`s Rights: opening statements by Adam SZŁAPKA, Polish Minister for European Affairs, and Roxana MÎNZATU, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness

MEPs celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March) at a special event in the Strasbourg hemicycle. Four women fighting for freedom, peace and justice in their home countries – Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Leader of Belarusian democratic opposition forces, Palina SHARENDA-PANASIUK, released Belarusian Political Prisoner, Leniie UMEROVA, Released Crimean Tatar Political Prisoner, Tata KEPLER, Ukrainian Volunteer and Humanitarian Activist – have all been invited to address plenary. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

International Women’s Day: speeches by Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, Palina SHARENDA-PANASIUK, Leniie UMEROVA and Tata KEPLER

MEPs celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March) at a special event in the Strasbourg hemicycle. Roberta METSOLA, EP President, makes an opening speech during the event. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

International Women’s Day: opening speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

The European Parliament marks International Women’s Day (8 March). Four women fighting for freedom, peace and justice in their home countries – from Belarus, leader of the country's democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and Palina Sharenda Panasiuk; and Lenie Umerova and Tata Kepler from Ukraine – have all been invited to address plenary, and were officially welcomed by Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament.

International Women's Day Celebration arrival of political activists and released prisoners from Belarus and Ukraine and meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Parliament authorities

women's rights (T)

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